I’d hoped this album would finally see the light of day. Years ago, in his autobiography, Frontman, Richard Barone had mentioned that he had the tapes to a live album recorded by The Bongos on tour in 1985, when they were at an absolute live high. And in those pages came the phrase “the shroud of touring.” (I should say here I saw them in March ’86 and they were deadly powerful – including songs that would be recorded for Phantom Train). At a performance in Montclair, New Jersey in early 2012, I had a conversation with Richard and he made reference to the possibility of a release – the band were negotiating with the revived Jem Records and Richard had the tapes to this live performance (and, of course, to Phantom Train).
So here we are… The last “official” or “new” Bongos release was the aforementioned Phantom Train (recorded in 1986 and released in 2013). This completes the picture as you finally get to hear the marvels of Hoboken at their powerhouse live best. As most people know, I am not a fan of live albums – or wasn’t, when I was younger. Time has changed me and my view. Live albums capture a moment – when you loved a band who delivered the goods – and this album is a perfect representation of The Bongos at one of their best moments (another editor’s note: I’ve seen them many times since and they never are anything less than tremendous).
This album is from a show performed at the Tradewinds, in Sea Bright, New Jersey, on May 24th, 1985 (approximately 40 years ago), while the band was touring in support of the Beat Hotel album. And the live renditions of the album’s tracks bring out a dynamism that isn’t fully felt in the studio versions. Of course, the show begins with the familiar “In The Congo”, done with pure energy and intensity. The Bongos’ concert standard, “I’ve Got A Secret” (from Richard Barone and James Mastro’s Nuts And Bolts) is done with a sweetness that elevates the song’s emotional depth higher (a personal favorite); “Telephoto Lens” (their debut single) is a groover and “Zebra Club” (from the masterpiece Drums Along The Hudson collection) simply rocks. James Mastro’s “Splinters” takes on an even greater beauty than the Beat Hotel recording (and it’s one of the album’s highlights); “Glow In The Dark” (the flipside of the “Telephoto Lens” single) is perfect – 100 miles an hour and frenzied, in the best possible manner.
The two kickers, for me, are “Come Back To Me” (which, when they did it at the March ’86 show in the Hoboken train station, was an absolute “oh, let me up” moment) – this version highlights Frank Giannini’s thunder drumming and Rob Norris’ deep, on-the-one bass lines (one of the most perfect rhythm sections I’ve ever seen/heard) and “Totem Pole”, which has always been one of the standouts of their live shows – it’s such a “band” moment of reckless abandon and fun. And the one important addition to all of this is having renowned percussionist Steve Scales joining them to give an added dash of groove to their power.
The Bongos are doing a series of shows to celebrate/commemorate this new release and if you’ve never had the pleasure and privilege of seeing them live, you absolutely cannot afford to miss it. A Bongos live performance is a thing of beauty – no matter what year it is. It’s one of those life-affirming experiences you have to have. And this album is a great primer to hear a band who still knows how to deliver, time after time.
ESSENTIAL LIVE PERFORMANCE – A MUST.
The Shroud Of Touring – Live In 1985 will be released on Friday, May 23rd, 2025
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